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trade or sector-specific business associations can often suggest contacts who are knowledgeable and experienced and may be able to help you make misteps in your initial efforts. Once you have contacted these sources and if you still have questions or need more help, consider a professional but only for a very specifically focussed scope of work. Take the time to analyze what information you need and then engage the expert on a short focussed contract to solve the need. 5. Use Your Foreign Office, Embassy or other Overseas Connection Before you book your travel (mode and carrier) and your accommodation, make sure that you check the Travel Information and Advisory Reports available from the U.S. Department of State for the U.S. (www.state.gov) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in the case of Canada to ensure what the actual travel conditions are in your target market and that travel is safe and recommended. This should be an early step before you plan your itinerary. The prudent traveler also confirms any meetings and reservations, learns about the local culture and customs, currency (and exchange rate) and contacts the Embassy representatives at the Embassy or Consulate in the target country to inform them of the business trip and its objectives. Also contact to local business organizations like the Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations, etc. can be useful in making contacts and getting further data and should be utilized where the response is helpful and timely. 6. Don't Be Too Proud, Ask for Help Again, help is out there for you if you seek it. Network among your friends and seek contacts in the country or people who know about the country or the industry. Seek them out and ask their advice and suggestions. Don't assume that everyone you will talk to will give you good advice but be open. Realize that the chances at your failing at a business endeavor are greater than your chances of succeeding. Again, fortune favors the best prepared. 7. Create your list of tasks for the trip Organization, preparation and research are the keys to productive and cost-effective business travel. Sit down and develop a list of tasks once you have done your research. Your list should be clear and a concise summary of all that you need to accomplish in the target market. This may include face-to-face meetings with prospective customers, identifying potential business partners, such as agents, distributors or key service providers, obtaining information on competitors, legal issues such as intellectual property protections, local practices, regulations, legal issues and marketing and business promotion strategies suitable for the local audiences. 8. Reach Out and Touch Your Customer Many societies are much more verbal than the U.S. Don't assume that everyone is going to communicate as crisply or as fully and by internet as might be the case in dealing with someone where English is their first language. With the advent of the many new VOIP systems, calling through your telephone or computer can allow you to reach out and touch a client in their country and to ensure that you start your relationship with them plus also ensure that your list of tasks and goals for the trip are accurate and realistic. The internet and e-mail are great innovations and can help to speed communication and limit costs. Just remember, however, that a well thought out telephone call when made by computer can be low cost and often can help to bridge the distance and also help you learn more. 9. Don't Judge People By their Ability to Speak English Generally both in research and once you arrive in country, you will have need to talk to and seek information from persons in the local country, their Embassy, trade organizations and other groups. Keep in mind that these people are helping you and are graciously speaking your language. Realize that mastery of the language is independent of how well they know the subject matter you are seeking, knowledge on their country, business or other issues. Don't fall into the trap many first time and even experienced travelers make that just because they speak better English that they are smarter or more perceptive. Some of the best advice I have gotten over the years was from people who often fractured every rule of English usage I learned in High School or College. Listen to what they are saying, make the corrections in your head and consider their advice without prejudice. 10. Follow-up when you get home Travei is very tiring. Jet lag hits most people harder on their return than it does in the first days of their travel. Many experienced travelers say travel west is harder than travel East. Keep this in mind and remember that the business trip is often the first step. Make sure your follow-up on the promises you have made to send additional
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data, clarify issues raised, etc. Before you take the time to put your feet up and toast a successful trip, take the time to solidify the business relationships that you have probably just commenced. Politeness is an under valued virtue and is critical in international business. Take the time to say "thank you" and Send thank you letters to the individuals you met. Building a relationship is often assisted by showing you are polite, responsive, listen well and communicate fully.
Table of Investment Cost Comparison for Vietnam, China, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos - Our country report covers factors such as: land, building cost, utilities, taxes, labor, company registration, factory licensing, safety and security, etc. We help arrange your appointments and ground support: Runckel & Associates of Businessin-Asia.com is an expert in providing strategic business trip facilitation that can maximize your time and expenses, both for private companies and academic institutes. Some of our business trip journals can be viewed on each of the country's Plan Trip page or on our Business Group and Executive MBA Sections
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